Boca Raton, FL - Let’s start calling the Florida Atlantic University women’s soccer team The Comeback Kids.

For the second straight home match, the Owls made a monumental comeback to keep its hopes live in the competitive Sun Belt Conference standings.  On Sunday, the team rode the left foot of standout forward Jesse Shugg to score a 2-1 come-from-behind overtime victory over rival Troy University at the FAU Soccer Stadium in Boca Raton. 

The win was FAU’s first SBC victory of the season, improving the team’s record to 1-2-1 in league play and evened the overall mark to 5-5-1.  The squad is now 5-1 in home matches this fall.

Shugg scored both of Florida Atlantic’s goals in the match – giving her a team-leading six goals for the season.  Sunday’s second goal ended the contest five minutes into the overtime period.  The sophomore from Burlington, Ontario, Canada fired a shot into an open net after being set up by a pass from sophomore midfielder Marisa Russo in the middle of the 18-yard box.  Junior midfielder Kara Mundelein also contributed to the match-winning play by feeding the hard-rushing Russo down the left side of the field.

“We were playing well, being creative with the ball towards the end of the match,” said Shugg.  “Marisa made a great run down the side and slotted me the ball to finish into the net.  It took good teamwork to get the goal.”

The Owls tied the match in the 73^rd minute when Shugg finished with a shot from the middle of the 18-yard box.  The scoring opportunity was set up by passes from freshman defender Meagan Borger and junior forward Allison Griffin. 

The visiting Trojans took an early lead when Ruth Sutcliffe found the back of the net for her first goal of the season in the fourth minute of the match.

“This was another game where we found ourselves down early, but we found our rhythm and started playing the style that was needed to win an important home conference match,” said Brian Dooley, FAU’s head women’s soccer coach. 

FAU, playing in its second straight overtime match, grabbed momentum early with aggressive play in the overtime period.

“The team’s focus heading into the overtime period was to end it quickly since it was our second overtime game of the weekend,” said Dooley.  “Our legs were a little tired.  We were fortunate to get the goal and end things before fatigue might have become a factor in determining the winner.”

FAU converted on two of its four shots after halftime.  Troy had a slim 14-13 shot advantage in the match.  Shugg led the team with five shots, while sophomore forward Brittney Nash and freshman defender Yazmin Ongtengco each had two shots.

Junior goalkeeper Ashley Lantes made seven saves after allowing the early goal.  She set a defensive foundation for the match, being especially strong in the second half.

 “This was a team-orientated victory.  We were all unselfish.  It was a great game,” said Shugg.

Troy falls to 7-5-1 overall and 2-2 in SBC action.

Florida Atlantic will get some much needed rest this week before travelling to Middle Tennessee State University on Friday, October 6, beginning at 8 p.m. 

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